Bank account still open but I closed it

Good morning.
About eight years ago I walked into my branch of Santander,which is now closed, cancelled all my direct debits and closed my account.
I have now been told by a credit agency that, not only is my account still ooen, but it is also showing a debt on it, over £500 I was informed.
I'm very concerned about this as I have received no notification from the bank regarding this
I now have a mortgage etc and I'm concerned that this will also impact me negatively.
Can you please inform me what I can do about this?
I have no record of my account number etc, this was a good eight years ago, so contacting the bank online is difficult.
Thanks in advance
«1

Comments

  • JGB1955
    JGB1955 Posts: 3,808 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I'd start by phoning them....



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  • Have you checked your credit reports yourself to confirm this?
  • DCFC79
    DCFC79 Posts: 40,622 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Phone or write to them, simples.

    Check the 3 credit ref agencies to get it confirmed before you contact them.

    Dont tell me you cancelled your direct debits without contacting the companies taking the DD's eg utilities, that could be the money thats owing.
  • dexta1969
    dexta1969 Posts: 8 Forumite
    I did actually transfer my direct debits to the joint account I set up with my new wife. I then went into my local branch to close my account.
  • badger09
    badger09 Posts: 11,521 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    dexta1969 wrote: »
    Good morning.
    About eight years ago I walked into my branch of Santander,which is now closed, cancelled all my direct debits and closed my account.
    I have now been told by a credit agency that, not only is my account still ooen, but it is also showing a debt on it, over £500 I was informed.
    I'm very concerned about this as I have received no notification from the bank regarding this
    I now have a mortgage etc and I'm concerned that this will also impact me negatively.
    Can you please inform me what I can do about this?
    I have no record of my account number etc, this was a good eight years ago, so contacting the bank online is difficult.
    Thanks in advance

    dexta1969 wrote: »
    I did actually transfer my direct debits to the joint account I set up with my new wife. I then went into my local branch to close my account.

    Which 'credit agency' has told you this account is still open?

    How did they tell you - letter, email?

    Does that letter/email not contain details of the account which is allegedly still open? If not, have you asked them for proof? If not, why not?
  • dexta1969 wrote: »
    I did actually transfer my direct debits to the joint account I set up with my new wife. I then went into my local branch to close my account.

    Did you have any CPA's setup on the account?
  • PRAISETHESUN
    PRAISETHESUN Posts: 4,722 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Did you ever get any official correspondence from the bank at the time you closed the account? If you have no details of the account it might make it hard to track down, but if it is still open then they should still have all your details on file as they were 8 years ago - I'd approach the bank and ask them to clarify what is going on. Unfortunately this sort of thing is probably going to take a decent phone call or a branch visit to sort.

    I would triple check your credit files - from all three agencies - to confirm any debt, and which companies are involved. Is the debt to the bank or another company? You say you cancelled the DDs, did you ensure to arrange alternate methods to pay your accounts? If you are sure that any debt on your files is not yours, then you might consider writing a "prove it" letter (https://debtcamel.co.uk/prove-it/) to force the company to outline why they believe you are liable.
  • K80_Black
    K80_Black Posts: 466 Forumite
    100 Posts
    I had similar with HSBC - there was an annual CPA I'd forgotten about which meant they reopened a credit card I'd cancelled. I had no idea they could do that. I ended up paying the debt but no interest or late charges. Few years on, I noticed it was still listed as open on one of my credit reports, so I'm doubtful they closed it the first time and just lied to me saying that a CPA will reopen a closed account. Hope you get it resolved!
  • jonesMUFCforever
    jonesMUFCforever Posts: 28,898 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Do you still bank with Santander?
    If so any account in your sole name and any joint accounts will show on there.
  • Robin9
    Robin9 Posts: 12,678 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Have you tried .........

    mylostaccount.org.uk
    Never pay on an estimated bill. Always read and understand your bill
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